When Private Art Becomes Public

There are so many examples of art on the streets of Victoria that it is hard to know where to start in any description of it. In this post I will mention a few examples of private art that have been made visible to passers-by to enjoy.

I appreciate that the property owners have seen fit to add this richness to the urban experience. The examples which follow are all in James Bay or Fairfield.

I will start with a unique piece on Fairfield Road: 

Made of driftwood, this cougar causes the pedestrian to do a double-take as s/he passes beneath it in the tree above.

And now to a house on Dallas Road.

The red, white and black pieces are blown glass that the property owner created himself. In the foreground is a metal sculpture. 

Art, or funky memorabilia? However it's classified, it's fun, and adds to the interest of a walk.

Detail on a gate, with a glimpse of an inviting garden.

Detail on a fence; this was one of a number of carvings inlaid into the fence, each one different.

One of the dozens of Little Libraries scattered throughout Victoria... a bench, a place for books - and a custom-made place for magazines! There are so many attractive Little Libraries that they are worth a post dedicated just to them.

Keyboard rock art at a home on Niagara Street. The tap at the sink trickles water, and the home itself is artwork, as the next photo illustrates.

Red geraniums in every window add to the appeal of this house, as well as the intricate carving decorating the overhangs.

More painted rocks from the same house as above. After awhile I forgot I was looking at rocks... especially the plate of delectable chocolates in the background

One final image from the house with the rock art -- birds on a branch, and on a swing. Again, it is easy to get caught up in the world of the painted pieces and forget they are rocks!

This unique sidewalk has a story... some day I'll learn it!

An unusual house on Dallas Road constructed from steel; the sign indicates that it is included on a special Art Gallery of Victoria tour. Many components of the house's interior were reclaimed and repurposed. A fuller story can be found at https://www.yammagazine.com/designed-to-last/

A closer view of some of the interior art

Detail from the exterior

I liked the intricate details of the wooden porch, the carved pillars for the steps, and the colourful flag which adds a modern contrast to this fine old house.

An attractive house and sign, Fairfield 

Lots of bits and pieces to intrigue the pedestrian wandering by this house in Fairfield

This tree on a boulevard on Clarence Street holds a teacup collection

Painted rock collection, Beacon Lodge, Douglas Street

One of the rocks at the Beacon Lodge collection

A second rock from the Beacon Lodge collection

While we may have different tastes and some might not always appreciate the specifics of the property owner's artistic leanings, there is more than enough variety to provide interest, and food for discussion.

A driftwood figure, at the same house with the tree hugging cougar

The same figure, from a different angle

Gate in James Bay; the theme is repeated on the deck rail, and other gates around the yard.

One of three windows in an older building along Niagara Street. The building has very little setback from the sidewalk, so pedestrians walk close to these windows.

I have shown this house before; even though this one is set back far from the road, it always stands out on any walk down South Turner Street.

Attractive landscaping and design add to the artistic appeal of this newer set of row houses near Cook Street 

I will conclude the post with a nod to the numerous fairy gardens around the area. One is pictured below. To appreciate these, the walker has to keep eyes on the ground, as well as enjoying the houses, the gardens, the trees... There is just so much to nurture our attention and our spirits!

One of a number of miniature fairy gardens hidden around James Bay. This one is on Pilot Street.